Politics
Bye-Elections: Factional LP Tackles INEC Over Alleged Exclusion
The party described the omission as “unlawful,” “surprising,” and an “abuse of power” by the electoral umpire.
The factional National Publicity Secretary of the party, Obiora Ifoh, argued that, as a registered political party in Nigeria, the Labour Party was fully aware of its rights as specified in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act 2022, as amended, regarding its powers to sponsor candidates in elections.
He added that the party was also aware that INEC has no authority to either stop it from sponsoring candidates or cherry-pick elections where it deems fit for the party to field candidates.
“It is on record that no court in Nigeria, including the Supreme Court, has derecognised the present leadership of the Labour Party.
“It is also a fact that the April 4, 2025, judgement of the Supreme Court ruled only on the lack of jurisdiction of the lower court and Court of Appeal.
“The Supreme Court did not rule on the substantive matter, as courts, including the Supreme Court, are barred from entertaining cases on the internal matters of any political party.
“The Supreme Court, in its wisdom, ruled that parties should resolve their problems within the available mechanisms as provided by their constitutions.
“At no point did the Supreme Court empower INEC to interfere with the internal matters of the political party.
“INEC, as a regulatory body, must limit itself to the provisions of the laws that instituted it.
“INEC cannot stop political parties from fielding candidates in an election, provided the political parties abide by the requirements of the Electoral Act.
“We are, by this statement, asking INEC to enlist our duly nominated candidates for the August 16 bye-election without further delay and to refrain from interfering with the internal matters of the Labour Party.
“INEC cannot arrogate to itself the powers of the courts or give a different interpretation to a clear judgement of the apex court.
“The actions of INEC, if not redressed immediately, will be challenged. The Labour Party, as a responsible organisation, will do everything within the law to ensure that all efforts by INEC to intimidate, harass, and ridicule the Labour Party are resisted.
“The Labour Party has built a reputation over the last 23 years as a party for the masses, and we will not succumb to the renewed onslaught by some politicians using every available means to stultify our party’s progress.
“The Labour Party is not for sale, and any institution or commission making itself available to be used by politicians will have itself to blame.
“We warn that it will be a waste of resources and precious time should INEC go ahead with the bye-election without the Labour Party on the ballot.
“It will indeed be catastrophic and a colossal loss of scarce monetary resources should INEC have its way.
“We are also calling on Nigerians, particularly Labour Party members, to remain vigilant and to keep praying for the nation that someday the electoral process in Nigeria will be got right and that some persons will be made to take responsibility for their actions and inactions while in office.
“We are also calling on all our candidates to remain calm, as the party will do everything possible to ensure their names are uploaded for the August 16, 2025, bye-election and every other election in the future,” Mr Ifoh stated.
Politics
Alleged Coup: Protests Rock N’Assembly As Detained Officers’ Children, Wives Demand Justice
Scores of children and wives of military officers detained over an alleged coup plot yesterday staged a peaceful protest at the National Assembly, demanding a speedy trial and the release of the accused officials.
The protesters who gathered at the entrance of the National Assembly complex, moved in a slow procession while clutching placards with inscriptions such as “Don’t Kill Our Daddies,” “Detention Without Trial is Injustice,” and “Six Months of Torture: Enough Is Enough.”
Amid tears and trembling voices, the children appealed for justice and access to their detained fathers, many of whom they said they had not seen for months.
The appeal was made during a press briefing in Abuja attended by no fewer than 20 wives and several children of the detained officers, including a two-month-old baby.
The families were accompanied by human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju and activist Omoyele Sowore.
At the briefing, the families lamented that the officers had been held for over 160 days without trial or contact with their relatives, describing the situation as a violation of their fundamental rights.
Speaking on behalf of the families, Memuna Bashiru said the prolonged detention had thrown their households into uncertainty and emotional distress, noting that while allegations had been widely publicised, families remained in the dark about the fate of their loved ones.
The arrest of the indicted officers was first announced on October 4, 2025, by the then Director of Defense Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, who disclosed that 16 officers were taken into custody for alleged breaches of military regulations and acts of indiscipline.
However, an interim investigation later suggested the existence of a clandestine network of officers, allegedly coordinated by a senior Army officer, which had begun preliminary planning for a coup.
According to the report, the alleged plot involved surveillance of key national assets, including the Presidential Villa, Armed Forces Complex, Niger Barracks in Abuja, and major international airports, with October 25, 2025, cited as the planned date for the operation.
Those reportedly in custody include Brig Gen M. A. Sadiq, Col M. A. Maaji, Lt Col S. Bappah, Lt Col A. A. Hayatu, Lt Col P. Dangnap, Lt Col M. Almakura, Maj A. J. Ibrahim, Maj M. M. Jiddah, Maj M. A. Usman, Maj D. Yusuf, Capt I. Bello, Capt A. A. Yusuf, Lt S. S. Felix, Lt Cdr D. B. Abdullahi, Sqn Ldr S. B. Adamu and Maj I. Dauda.
The alleged plot, according to findings, targeted senior government officials, including President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
In a statement issued yesterday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Felix Morka, said the exercise would take place in all wards and designated centres nationwide.
He called on existing members to update their records, while encouraging new entrants to join the party through the digital platform.
“As the electronic membership registration exercise resumes in all wards and designated locations nationwide, we urge existing members to validate their membership while new members are encouraged to register and join the progressive family,” Mr Morka said.
According to him, eligibility for registration is limited to individuals aged 18 and above who possess a valid National Identification Number (NIN).
The party said the initiative is part of efforts to modernise its operations by transitioning to a digital database that would enhance record accuracy and accessibility.
Mr Morka noted that the e-registration would “digitise the party’s membership register, ensure the integrity of records, and enhance efficient access to membership data for planning and management decisions.”
He added that the move is also aimed at promoting internal democracy within the party and strengthening its commitment to democratic innovation.
The APC had previously introduced electronic registration as part of broader reforms to streamline its membership system and improve organisational efficiency.
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